Master of Arts - Journalism and Media Studies

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas prepares students for careers in diverse fields, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and education. The program offers three tracks: Thesis, Non-Thesis, Professional Paper, and Non-Thesis, Strategic Digital and Social Media. Graduates develop a strong foundation in mass communication theory, research methodologies, and critical thinking skills.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is designed to engage students in research in diverse career arenas such as human resources, politics, advertising, education, public relations, broadcasting, and social services, as well as for students who aspire to continue their education in doctoral programs.

Objectives:

The program aims to develop a grounding in mass communication theory, achieve competencies in research methodologies relevant to the field, develop critical thinking necessary for careers in higher education or management in the media industries, and balance the discipline's varied traditions in theoretical, historical, and applied research, with particular attention to the shifting media landscape.

Outline:

Thesis Track

• Required Courses (9 credits):
• JMS 710: Graduate Journalism and Media Studies: Overview, resources, and communicating research
• JMS 712: Quantitative Research Methods
• JMS 730: Journalism and Media Theory
• Qualitative Methods Course (3 credits)
• Journalism & Media Studies Courses (6 credits)
• Elective Courses (6 credits)
• Thesis (6 credits)

Non-Thesis, Professional Paper Track

• Required Courses (9 credits):
• JMS 710: Graduate Journalism and Media Studies: Overview, resources, and communicating research
• JMS 712: Quantitative Research Methods
• JMS 730: Journalism and Media Theory
• Qualitative Methods Course (3 credits)
• Journalism & Media Studies Courses (12 credits)
• Elective Courses (6 credits)
• Professional Paper

Non-Thesis, Strategic Digital and Social Media Track

• Required Courses (9 credits):
• JMS 710: Graduate Journalism and Media Studies: Overview, resources, and communicating research
• JMS 712: Quantitative Research Methods
• JMS 740: Strategic Digital Storytelling
• Qualitative Methods Course (3 credits)
• Journalism & Media Studies Courses (12 credits)

Careers:

Graduates of the program may pursue careers as:

• Advertising Coordinator
• Announcers
• Broadcasting
• Correspondents
• Editors
• Media Operators
• News Analysts
• Public Relations Specialist
• Reporters
• Writers